Chapter 61: Curious case of Himiko Toga

"Himiko Toga, 17 years old, former middle school student. Her quirk allows her to mimic appearances and voices of people whose blood she consumed. Apparently, it also created an urge to drink blood. The girl's parents saw her as a freak and forced her to hide that part of herself and act "normal". One day she snapped and maimed a boy she was crushing on by drinking a lot of his blood. For the last year she was on the run, attacking people for their blood. Dozens as assault and battery cases, some thefts and a few second degree murders sprinkled in. That's all I've managed to gather on her." Chitose finished her little report.

"I really feel bad for her. As part time vampire, I get that blood can be necessary, assuming her quirk to similar enough to my transformation." Izuku sighed.

"Do you think you would have become the same if you were permanently a vampire?"

"No. On the day of my first transformation mom told me she will love me no matter and I shouldn't become a villain just because people around me."

"I guess kindness runs in your family, Tiger. Maybe that girl would have been ok if her parents were like Inko."

"What happened to her parents?"

"They have publicly disowned her after the first killing and moved to a different part of the country. Somehow they even managed to avoid legal repercussions, I'm not sure why. In any case, we are unlikely to meet them. Himiko herself never mentioned them once."

"The poor girl was villain in the making." Green head gulped.

"Tell me about it. She's a perfect example of why I and Rikiya fight for the better future. The reason I convinced Nezu to let me interview those attackers is because I hope that their stories can be used to shed light on quirk discrimination. If they can be rehabilitated, it's even better. Now, you told me you did something to Himiko's brain?"

"Yes. When she attacked me, I put a mind controlling flesh bud in her brain so that she would reveal everything she knew. Then I got kidnapped, experienced quirk awakening, which probably affect the parasite as well. Now it seems like the thing too intertwined with her brain to be removed. What's more, the worms die if I become human again, but this one persisted."

"So, she's under your mind control forever?"

"Well, until we can find a way to change that. I'm having some quirk issues, so I can't use the evolved form right now."

"Do your… targets remain conscious when they controlled?"

"Yes. They just can't control their actions."

The journalist let out a hysterical laughter.

"Why? Why are you laughing? This is not funny."

"I've…" She wiped off a tear. "I've come to a conclusion that the girl is a "free spirit" in terms of her views on life. She'd rather abandon comfort of her home to do what she wants, i.e. steal blood. Being put on a backseat in her own body and serving someone must feel like fate worse than death for her. Ha ha ha!"

"I agree, kid. It is pretty funny."

The teen sunk into his seat from the realization.

"Relax, Tiger. It wasn't your fault circumstances turned out this way. I'm sure there is a guy who can disassemble her brain and reassemble it without the alien body. We just haven't found him yet."

"Ye-Yeah, ok."

"Can you do me a favor?" Her tone got serious.

"Sure."

"Don't turn me into your puppet, please. I love you, but I do need some autonomy in my life."

"I… I would never. I…"

"Just kidding. The actual thing I need is that you ask Toga to behave and work towards her rehabilitation."

"But, that wouldn't be her decision, Kizuki-chan."

"I know, but think about it. If her tragedy makes common knowledge, and she works towards her betterment, every discriminated person will receive hope. Hope that perhaps things can become better. If we put a good word for her, we might even get her on parole. Sometimes lies are necessary to do the right thing, Izuku."

"I… ok."

"She won't be the only person I'll try to help, of course. I'll conduct interviews with everyone who attacked your group. Well, everyone still alive. Moonfish has been executed today and Dabi can die at any moment."

Chitose and Midoriya were led into the cell, where Toga already waiting for master.

"Izu-kun!" She jumped to hug the boy.

"Himiko, I'm truly sorry!" He started crying.

"Sorry for what?" The girl got confused.

"For making you lose control!"

"Oh, you are talking about old me! The new me is in control now."

"Say what?" The woman was confused.

"The old Himiko Toga is now nothing more that voice in my head. The new Himko, me, is in charge."

"So are you a new personality?"

"Yes. We have the same memories, but our goals in life are different. Hers was to drink people's blood and become them, mine is to serve you, Izu-kun." She pointed at the shocked teen.

"Crap! This evolution got out of control."

"Can you put old you in charge?"

"No." The girl shook her head. "Why would I? She's a meanie anyway."

"Okay, can you tell us what she's telling you."

"You are a monster! I've finally put off the mask and now you've surgically attached it back. How could you, Izu-kun? That's her words."

"*Sigh* I'm sorry, Himiko. I promise I'll find a way to fix this mess somehow."

"What's there to fix? I'm perfect as is."

"Look, new Toga, we need a favor from you." The woman said in a commanding tone. "Don't tell other people about this whole situation to others. If anyone asks, you've decided to chill out and behave like a normal person again."

"I'll kill you, blue skinned bitch!"

"Can I tell them I've changed because I love Izu-kun?"

"Yeah, sure. Love working as a mental cure would make for a good headline."

"I'll do anything for you, Izu-kun. You just need to ask me." She made smile with all of her teeth.

"Do it, please. In the meantime, I'll try to get you a good lawyer and fix your brain."

"Okie dokie. Before you two leave, may I ask for a few favors."

"Sure."

"I'd like some blood. My head hurts during withdrawals, and old me hadn't had a successful drink in weeks."

"Ok. I'll ask people in this facility to provide you. Just don't mimic the donor, they might freak out. What else?"

"I want to bite you a bit."

"Well, I'm human, so this should be safe." Izuku nodded.

The blonde bit his neck with a look of ecstasy in her eyes. Finally, she stopped and lilac hair put a bandage on the wound. Before leaving, she gave the girl a handshake.

"Be a good girl and Tiger will have you, ok?"

"Ok!"

"I'm in the same room as you two."

"Are you sure you don't need me anymore today?"

"Yes, I'll question the other people myself. If they try something dumb, my fist do the talking." Her bracelet turned a sturdy looking gauntlet.

"Cool. Good luck!"

Author's notes: Wow, this fic glazes Curious a lot, doesn't it? And I haven't even written all the other interviews.

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